Cleft of the Rock Light in Yachats Oregon: Hidden Lighthouses
A Lighthouse Most People Never See
Drive Highway 101 south out of Yachats, and you’ll pass one of the most unusual lighthouses on the entire Oregon coast without even realizing it. No big turnout. No sign telling you to stop. Just a quiet tower sitting on a bluff, staring out into the Pacific like it’s been there forever… You have to be looking for it, or at least paying close enough attention to notice something is out of place.
Built From Passion
Unlike iconic coastal lights like Heceta Head Lighthouse or Yaquina Head Lighthouse, this lighthouse wasn’t built by the government in the 1800s to guide commercial ships.
Cleft of the Rock Light was built in 1976 by James A. Gibbs.
And not casually, either.
Gibbs was a former lighthouse keeper, historian, and someone deeply invested in preserving maritime history along the Pacific Coast. When older lighthouses were decommissioned or stripped for parts, he saw pieces of history disappearing. Instead of letting that happen, he started collecting.
Then he built a lighthouse to house it all.
This wasn’t a project—it was a mission.
A Living Collection of Lighthouse History
Inside the tower (and the adjoining home) is something you’ll never get to fully see unless you’re invited—one of the most unique private collections of lighthouse artifacts on the West Coast.
We’re talking about real, functional pieces that once served actual lighthouses, including:
- Equipment and components from Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (“Terrible Tilly”)
- Artifacts tied to Yaquina Head Lighthouse
- Historic Fresnel lens elements and signal equipment
- Maritime tools used by lighthouse keepers decades ago
Instead of sitting in storage or being scrapped, these pieces were given a second life—still tied to a working light, still part of the coastal story.
It’s essentially a private museum…
Still Doing the Job
Here’s where it gets even more interesting:
Cleft of the Rock Light isn’t just decorative—it’s active.
In 1979, it was officially recognized as a private aid to navigation by the U.S. Coast Guard. That means its light is charted and visible to mariners traveling this stretch of coastline.
And this stretch? It’s no joke.
The waters off Cape Perpetua Scenic Area are known for:
- Heavy swells rolling in from deep Pacific water
- Sudden weather shifts and dense fog
- Jagged rock formations just offshore
For local fishermen and boats running tight to shore, that beam still matters.
It’s not just a historical symbol—it’s functional.
Location: Where the Coast Feels Untamed
The lighthouse sits just south of Yachats along Highway 101, right in the heart of one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in Oregon.
Nearby, you’ve got:
- The forested slopes and viewpoints of Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
- The iconic wave explosions at Thor’s Well
- Cliffside hikes like Amanda’s Trail overlooking the Pacific
In winter, especially, this area turns into a front-row seat for storm watching. Waves slam into the rocks, wind howls through the trees, and visibility can drop in minutes.
And out there, quietly, that lighthouse keeps shining.
Why You Can’t Visit (And Why That Works)
Here’s the reality:
You cannot visit Cleft of the Rock Light.
It’s privately owned, and the lighthouse is part of a residence. There are no tours, no public access points, and no way to walk up to it.
And honestly—that’s part of the appeal.
There’s something about seeing it from a distance that makes it feel more authentic. Less like a tourist attraction, more like a real piece of the coast still living its own life.
Best Ways to See It
If you want to catch a good look (or even a photo), here’s how to do it right:
Drive-By Viewing
Head south from Yachats on Highway 101 and slow down as you approach the Cape Perpetua area. The lighthouse sits on the ocean side of the road, slightly tucked back on a bluff.
Pro tip: if you’re going too fast, you’ll miss it completely.
Hike for a Better Angle
Trails in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area—especially around Amanda’s Trail—offer elevated viewpoints where you can see the lighthouse from above and at a distance.
This is your best shot at getting a clean, unobstructed view.
Storm Watching Bonus
If you’re there during rough weather, even better. The contrast between the calm structure and the chaos of the ocean makes for a captivating scene.
The Name: Quietly Meaningful
“Cleft of the Rock” comes from an old hymn—He Hideth My Soul in the Cleft of the Rock.
And when you see the lighthouse sitting there, partially hidden against the cliffs, the name makes sense. It feels protected. Almost like it belongs more to the landscape than to the people passing by.
The Oregon coast is full of incredible lighthouses—but most of them are part of a system, a history, a network of preserved landmarks.
Cleft of the Rock is different.
Built by one man. Filled with pieces of history he refused to let disappear. Still functioning. Still relevant. Still quietly doing its job while the rest of the coast rushes by.
